Sunderland’s captain Granit Xhaka is rapidly establishing himself as one of the standout signings of the Premier League season. Since joining the Black Cats from Bayer Leverkusen for £13 million last summer, the experienced midfielder has made significant contributions, most notably with a stunning long-range goal that helped earn Sunderland a crucial 1-1 draw against Everton. This result propelled Sunderland back into the top four of the league—an impressive feat for a team newly promoted to the Premier League.
Ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher lauded Xhaka’s influence, stating, “He must be the signing of the season.” His performance was further recognized when he was awarded the man of the match title after the game, with Carragher emphasizing that Xhaka has been head and shoulders above many on the pitch.
Xhaka’s statistical impact is equally remarkable. The 33-year-old leads his team in key metrics and ranks highly among all players in the league. With three assists, he is among the top contributors, while his nine set-play opportunities created put him in contention with the best in the league. Furthermore, Xhaka is known for his accuracy, completing 52 long passes—only less than Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi among outfield players—and ranking well for overall passes, boxes entered, and possession won.
Sunderland’s manager, Regis Le Bris, highlighted Xhaka’s experience as vital for the squad, especially given the number of young players. He described Xhaka as someone who “wants to play football,” and who sets high standards for his teammates. Former Sunderland defender Jonny Evans echoed this sentiment, noting the reliability and performance level Xhaka brings.
Xhaka’s journey back to the Premier League follows a challenging time at Arsenal, where he faced considerable scrutiny and some tumultuous moments, including being sent off five times and having a turbulent exit from the club. However, under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, he transformed into a key player before moving to Germany and subsequently Sunderland. Reflecting on his return, Xhaka expressed his happiness, stating, “It makes me happy to score a goal.”
As Sunderland navigates their season, Xhaka’s transition from a controversial figure to a pivotal player reflects both his personal growth and the potential of the team. With his influence, Sunderland hopes to not only secure a spot in the Premier League but possibly aim for a top-half finish—a feat that could redefine the club’s trajectory in the league. The ongoing narrative of Sunderland’s resurgence, coupled with Xhaka’s leadership, cultivates optimism for fans as the season unfolds.